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A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Musa Khel district and surrounding areas in Balochistan on Saturday, injuring at least three people and causing structural damage to multiple homes. According to Pakistan’s Earthquake Monitoring Centre, the quake’s epicentre was located 56 kilometres northeast of Musa Khel, at a depth of 28 kilometres.
Tremors were felt across a wide radius, sending residents rushing out of buildings in panic. Local authorities and emergency services were immediately alerted to initiate relief and damage control efforts.
Casualties and Structural Damage Reported
Rescue officials confirmed that three individuals sustained injuries after their homes partially collapsed during the quake. Fortunately, the injuries were reported as minor, and the victims were treated on-site by first responders.
The earthquake caused significant damage in Musa Khel, where two houses were completely destroyed, and three others sustained partial structural damage. Residents in the affected areas spent the night in open spaces or makeshift tents due to fears of aftershocks.
A resident in Musa Khel told local reporters, “It happened so quickly — the walls started cracking, and we rushed outside. We’ve never experienced something this strong before.”
PDMA Mobilizes Relief Efforts
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed it had initiated relief operations in the affected zones immediately after the incident. A PDMA spokesperson stated that teams are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, distributing tents and essential supplies, and providing temporary shelter to those displaced by the quake.
The authority has also deployed technical teams to inspect compromised structures and evaluate risks in the surrounding areas. Emergency medical services and rescue workers have been stationed in high-impact zones as a precaution.
PDMA Director Operations noted:
“Our teams are on the ground with tents, food supplies, and assessment kits. We are working in coordination with local authorities to ensure no one is left without shelter or assistance.”
Earlier Tremors Reported in Barkhan
Earlier in the day, tremors were also recorded in Barkhan district, another seismically active region in Balochistan. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Barkhan quake had a magnitude of 3.9 and occurred at a depth of 12 kilometres. The epicentre was located 59 kilometres northwest of Barkhan.
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There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the Barkhan region, although authorities continued to monitor the situation closely. Residents reported feeling light tremors, but no emergency response was deemed necessary.
Seismic Activity and Preparedness in the Region
Balochistan lies along a major fault line, making it particularly prone to seismic activity. Saturday’s events serve as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the importance of disaster preparedness and building safety protocols.
Geological experts have warned that while the magnitude 5.5 quake is moderate, shallow-focus earthquakes (those closer to the surface) tend to cause more damage in populated or structurally weak regions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has advised residents in quake-prone areas to stay alert and follow safety guidelines during aftershocks.
Public Safety Advisory Issued
In the aftermath of the quake, local authorities and the PDMA have issued safety guidelines for residents:
- Avoid entering damaged structures until cleared by experts
- Stay away from walls, windows, and unstable surfaces during aftershocks
- Keep emergency kits, torches, water, and first-aid supplies on hand
- Report damage or trapped individuals to local rescue authorities immediately
Rescue 1122 and local police units have also been placed on alert in case of further seismic activity.
Community Resilience and Ongoing Monitoring
Despite the physical damage, residents in Musa Khel and Barkhan have shown remarkable resilience, cooperating with rescue workers and helping neighbors. Relief efforts are expected to continue over the coming days, especially in more remote or less accessible areas of the district.
Monitoring by Pakistan’s Earthquake Monitoring Centre and international bodies like USGS is ongoing, and updates will be shared through official channels if aftershocks or additional seismic activity occur.
